There is something so satisfying about finishing a good run. The adrenaline is pumping, your heart is racing and you just feel alive. Crossing the finish line is always portrayed as a glorious moment of victory, however, before that shining moment there are ten thoughts that occur to every runner over the course of the race.
1. "I regret this decision"
The start of every race is bound to have you completely hyped up to run. The air is crisp and everything is right with the world. As the gun goes off you take off in a dead sprint in attempt to get any advantage. Soon enough you realize your mistake. You look back and realize you're only a quarter mile away from the starting line and you're dying.
2. "Am I even moving?"
As the first mile ends you feel like you're basically walking and pumping your arms. This becomes worse if you forget to wear a watch. A sense of time is lost the longer your feet hit the pavement. It's always a nice surprise at the end of the race to see your time and realize you were going a lot faster than you felt like you were.
3. "Girl, you did not just pass me."
Running is known as being a selfish sport, meaning your only competition should be yourself, until another runner tries to race past you to the finish line to place ahead of you.
4. "Do I need to smile at the volunteers?"
Every race has the small groups that bring signs and yell for you as you run by, and the eternal struggle is deciding to break focus and pretend you aren't dying or to just drop your head and try to hide it as you go by.
5. "Are there snacks at the finish line?"
Because let's be honest, no one runs three miles and doesn't want to inhale everything in the immediate vicinity when it's over. It's common courtesy to provide snacks.
6. "I'm going to hate myself tomorrow."
Mornings after race day are a constant reminder that you should never run again. Ever.
7. "I swear the finish line is getting further away."
The last 200 meters is basically running in place, because that finish line is not getting any closer.
8. " I should totally do this again."
As much as you die while running, when you get close to the finish line, it seems like a great idea to begin to plan to subject yourself to this torture all over again. But it all goes to support great causes.
9. " I should tell my mom where all my money goes."
Running a 5k is extremely therapeutic, they also very quickly become very expensive. This should be more of a factor than I let it be. It has never failed to be worth it.
10. " I'm a freaking queen."
Crossing the finish line is the ultimate moment of power. You are a superstar, no matter what that clock says. You ran and you made it.
Running is a love hate relationship in so many ways. But in the end, love for the rush of accomplishing something that only a select group chooses to do is one of the best feelings in the world. Be inspired by pushing yourself and let that overflow into your daily life. You are so much more than you could ever dream.
